The 25-year-old missed the start of the season with a different knee problem and his latest setback comes as a huge blow.

“The length of time he will be out for will be best determined once the surgery is completed”

Everton Spokesman

An Everton spokesman said: “The length of time he will be out for will be best determined once the surgery is completed.”

Gibson’s injury could sideline him for between six to nine months and is a major setback. He was carried off in agony after injuring his knee in a first-half challenge during the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Dublin on Tuesday.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez was at the game, which was only Gibson’s second since he agreed to return to the international scene after his self-imposed exile.